Tomato tartare (starter)
This vegetarian (vegan) tomato tartare is an easy starter that takes only 15 minutes to make to start off any meal.
Ingredients
 | 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes – any type of tomatoes will do, such as tomatoes on the vine, campari, roma or plum tomatoes. |
 | (Optional) 1/4 chopped red onion – for a bit of bite |
 | (Optional) 1 chopped avocado – for some healthy fats |
Spices and flavoring ingredients:
 | 1 tablespoon of olive oil – traditional ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. |
 | pinch of garlic powder |
 | 2-3 leaves of chopped fresh parsley or basil |
 | 1/4 lemon squeezed for juice |
 | (Optional) 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar – for a bit of tang instead of the lemon |
 | Pinch of salt and pepper |
How to make this tomato tartare
- Cut the tomatoes into small cubes using a fork and sharp knife.
- Strain off excess liquid using a sieve.
- Transfer the drained tomato cubes to a large bowl.
- Chop the onion and herbs, then add them to the tomatoes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Place a 7.5 cm (3-inch) cookie cutter on a plate and fill it with the tartare mixture. (Or serve in a glass if preferred.)
- Press down with the back of a spoon to smooth and compact the surface.
- Unmold gently and repeat for additional portions.
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Serve when ready.
Not all vegetarian recipe ideas have to be boring and bland. This vegetarian tomato tartare recipe is super quick to make and absolutely delicious. It’s light, fresh and full of flavour. Perfect for a lunch or dinner entree, it also works well with a meat or fish-based main dish.
It’s also a fabulous way to use up any extra tomatoes that are taking up space in your fridge. The key to it is using the right ingredients, and that means fresh high-quality tomatoes and a great olive oil.
And have I mentioned it can be prepared in 15 minutes or less? It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Cooking tips
- Any type of tomatoes will do will do in this recipe, such as tomatoes on the vine, campari, roma or plum tomatoes. You could mix in several types, including some smaller tomatoes such as cherry or grape tomatoes.
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Vegetarian tomato tartare
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium sized fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 lemon squeezed for juice
- 2-3 leaves of chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- pinch of garlic powder
- pinch of salt and pepper
Optional
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 chopped avocado
Instructions
- Using a fork and a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into small cubes.
- Using a strainer, remove some of the excess water.
- Transfer the lightly strained tomato cubes into a large bowl.
- Chop the onion and herbs and add to the chopped tomato mixture.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix in.
- Place a cookie cutter about 7.5 cm (3 in) in diameter on a plate and fill with tartare. (Alternatively, you can serve it in a glass.)
- Press the tartare with the back of a spoon to even the surface.
- Unmold gently. Repeat to form the other portions.
- Put in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Serve when ready.
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
I usually serve this tomato tartare as a starter, but you can also serve it as a side dish with a main meal.
For the main meal, consider serving tofu and pasta, sautéed squid or a vegetarian flammkuchen.
How to store it?
Tomato tartare can be prepared up to a day in advance, and kept in the fridge. Just leave it out about 20 minutes before serving so that it reaches room temperature.
